Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Newport KY 41071 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select an Xray Tech College near Newport Kentucky

Newport KY x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Newport KY in order to become a radiology technologist. But now that you have made a decision to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you undertake choosing the right college and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And since the majority of states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you might require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you research each of the schools you are considering in order to compare each program. Most potential students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and typically gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location should be taken into consideration, there are additional important qualifiers as well. For instance, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are considering are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and education options that are offered.

X-Ray Technician Occupation Description

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, they all have the identical fundamental job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They can practice in Newport KY clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist may work with include:

Traditional and specialized X-Rays
Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Sonography or ultrasound
Fluoroscopy

Radiographers must maintain their equipment and regularly assess its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to keep complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Newport KY health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Technician Degree Options

x-ray machine in Newport KY The standard requirement for attending an x-ray tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, generally requires 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to complete and is more extensive in scope. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are acceptable also. Something to keep in mind is that Newport KY radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may frequently be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Kentucky or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an Radiologist program, depending on the state where you will be working you may have to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites differ so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but many approve additional options for testing as well. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, many Newport KY employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it might improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Tech Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Newport 41071 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree colleges. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a significant portion of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is often conducted in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online portion of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Newport KY home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online style of learning is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are often cheaper than traditional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be lessened also. But just be sure that the online program you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online school may be the best choice for you.

What to Ask Radiology Tech Schools

Once you have selected the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of searching for and evaluating Newport KY x-ray tech schools. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a material factor as well. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you factor in when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details before you make your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are considering.

Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? Most radiology tech schools have earned some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still crucial to make sure that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous evaluation of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Newport KY health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level positions.

Are Internships Provided? Ask if the Kentucky xray tech programs you are evaluating have associations with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific means to get hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist graduates and students form professional relationships in the Newport KY health care community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Newport KY healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the school they decide on will have to be within driving distance of their Newport KY residence. Students who have decided to attend online classes naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. One thing to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit far in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Newport KY schools you are researching what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the x-ray tech school you finally select can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Newport KY, check that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss due to work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Want to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to reflect on questions you may be asked. One of the questions that recruiters often ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not just the private reasons you might have for becoming an Xray technician, but also what attributes and skills you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, in addition to a certain number of typical interview questions, so you need to ready several strategies about how you would like to answer them. Because there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the strengths you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down some concepts and topics that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can help you to develop your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Pick the Best X-Ray Tech Program near Newport KY

Choosing the appropriate x-ray technician degree program is a crucial first step toward beginning a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs typically stand for the greater part of the day and move and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best possible patient care. As we have addressed in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are assessing before making your final decision. This is just as true whether you enroll in an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each college so you can narrow down your options and make your decision. And with the proper training and your commitment to succeed, you can realize your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Newport KY.

Some Background on Newport Kentucky

Newport, Kentucky

Newport is a home rule-class city[3] at the confluence of the Ohio and Licking rivers in Campbell County, Kentucky, in the United States. The population was 15,273 at the 2010 census. Historically, it was one of four county seats of Campbell County.[4] Newport is part of the Cincinnati Metropolitan Area, which includes over 2 million inhabitants.

Newport was settled c. 1791 by James Taylor Jr. on land purchased by his father James Sr. from George Muse, who received it as a grant.[why?] Taylor's brother, Hubbard Taylor, had been mapping the land twenty years prior.[5] It was not named for its position on the river but for Christopher Newport, the commander of the first ship to reach Jamestown, Virginia, in 1607.[6] Newport was established as a town on December 14, 1795, and incorporated as a city on February 24, 1834.[6] In 1803, the Ft. Washington military post was moved from Cincinnati to become the Newport Barracks. A bridge first connected Newport to Covington in 1853,[7] and the first bridge spanning the Ohio River to Cincinnati, the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, opened in 1866. Newport experienced large German immigration in the 1880-90s.[8]

By 1900, Newport was the third largest city in Kentucky, after Covington and Louisville, although Newport and Covington were rightly considered satellites of Cincinnati.[9]

Prohibition under the Volstead Act of 1919 resulted in a widespread illegal sale of alcohol. Many gangsters began to smuggle alcohol into the city to supply citizens and businesses. Speakeasies, bribery, and corruption became a norm in Newport.[10]

Newport's worst natural disaster occurred in 1937, when a flood covered a great part of the city. A flood wall was completed in 1948, and remains a significant part of Newport's landscape.[5]